See a Hamptons Home Charmingly Made Over by Heidi Caillier

The Ingram family, consisting of three generations and 17 members, frequently takes holidays together. To accommodate their growing family and create a shared holiday haven, John and Margaret Ingram, with their children Leanne, Katie, and Paul, decided to purchase a weekender. In 2010, Katie discovered a property on Sydney’s Northern Beaches that seemed promising. While the location offered appealing ocean views, the existing structure, a four-bedroom 1970s red-brick cottage, was dated and too small for the entire family. Interior designer Leanne Smeallie describes their initial years in the cottage as "glamping" due to its limited space, especially as the children grew into teenagers. To transform the outdated cottage into a spacious and functional holiday home, Leanne collaborated with architect Susan Rothwell and builder Mark Thompson of Contemporary Builders. The primary objective was to reconfigure the floor plan to create additional bedrooms and multi-zoned areas suitable for both intimate gatherings of two and larger family reunions of 20. The renovation aimed for a low-maintenance, Hamptons-style aesthetic. The first floor underwent the most significant changes, with the layout redesigned to include generous kitchen, dining, and living rooms. These spaces now have direct access to an extended terrace, which features both alfresco dining and sitting zones, becoming a central hub for relaxation. The original living room was converted into a luxurious main bedroom suite for John and Margaret, and two additional bedrooms were added to this level. The ground floor was designated as the children's area, featuring a bunkroom for younger children, two extra bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large covered terrace that serves as a hangout spot for teenagers. This design allows the first floor to function as the main living area, with the downstairs providing overflow accommodation during peak family visits, which typically occur for two weeks in January. For the interiors, Leanne adopted a beach house aesthetic, characterized by a simple yet durable palette. Consistency in materials, colors, and textures was crucial to maintain a cohesive coastal vernacular and enhance the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. For instance, sandstone cladding was used on balcony pillars and the fireplace surround, while the same stone floor tiles were applied in both the upstairs living areas and outdoor spaces. A restrained cool-neutral color palette further contributed to the unified design. A personal touch was incorporated at Margaret’s request: the integration of local sandstone, a material holding sentimental value from her childhood holidays in the area. The renovation was completed in 2018, and the transformed home has been met with universal approval from the family. The increased space and thoughtful design have fostered more frequent family gatherings, allowing the entire family to comfortably enjoy their time together, reinforcing the sentiment that it is "just more fun when we are all together." #HamptonsStyle #HomeRenovation #FamilyLiving #CoastalDesign #InteriorDesign #FloorPlanRedesign #MultiGenerationalHome #OutdoorLiving

The article details the transformation of a Bridgehampton, New York, Hamptons home by architects Timothy Haynes and interior designer Kevin Roberts. The property, initially purchased 12 years prior by a New York businessman, was a five-acre estate near the ocean and the town of Bridgehampton. He had previously renovated the mid-1990s house with interior designer Victoria Hagan, streamlining its postmodern architecture into a comfortable beachside retreat for himself and his two sons. This earlier renovation, featuring a blue-and-white scheme, was prominently featured on the cover of ELLE DECOR in 2002. The current renovation was prompted by the homeowner's remarriage, necessitating a redesign to accommodate his new wife and her 10-year-old daughter. The couple initially engaged Haynes and Roberts for a partial renovation, including the kitchen and master bath. However, as their family grew and their entertaining needs expanded, a more extensive overhaul became necessary. The wife, a fashionista and museum patron with a strong design aesthetic, desired to infuse the home with her personal style, incorporating contemporary art, vibrant colors, vintage and antique furnishings, and a touch of glamour. A primary goal was to create a dining room capable of hosting 25 people for large family gatherings like Thanksgiving. Significant structural and landscape changes were implemented. The existing tennis court, which obstructed views and was unused by the couple, was removed along with the original swimming pool. Haynes and Roberts collaborated with Manhattan-based landscape architect Edmund Hollander, who had designed the property's initial garden, to create an ambitious new landscape plan. This included a new saltwater pool inspired by a Slim Aarons photograph, featuring limestone steps cascading into the water. Hollander also designed garden walks bordered with Japanese holly, green velvet boxwood, masses of hydrangeas, lilacs, peonies, and roses. A new poolhouse was constructed with two wings: one for a changing room and sauna, and the other featuring a chic bar and lounge with a white-and-blue circle-patterned marble floor. These wings frame an outdoor dining pavilion, complemented by a gravel-lined garden and a bosque of plane trees. The main house underwent extensive modifications, including the expansion of rooms and the lifting of ceilings to enhance the sense of space and ease. In the master bedroom, a wall with a Juliet balcony was replaced with expansive windows overlooking the garden, and a previously underutilized terrace was converted into an enclosed sitting room. The homeowners were deeply involved in every design decision, from fixtures to furniture selections. The living room was reimagined as the home's social hub. Haynes and Roberts raised its gabled ceiling to 20 feet and doubled the space with an addition featuring a wall of windows and French doors. The interior decor of the living room includes oversized white leather cocktail tables, ample seating, and a vintage Harvey Probber tufted sofa, which Roberts divided into two sections to face the garden. The design philosophy emphasized functionality and comfort, ensuring that every piece of furniture invited relaxation. A notable artistic element is a faceted mirror sculpture by Doug Aitken above the striped marble mantel, spelling out the word “more,” reflecting the wife’s preference for a touch of extravagance. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #HamptonsStyle #LuxuryHomes #LandscapeArchitecture #ContemporaryArt #VintageFurniture #ArchitecturalTransformation #SeasideLiving

Antoinette Allande Interiors, a luxury residential design studio based in Hoboken, executed a significant home renovation in Montclair, New Jersey. The project involved transforming a 19th-century house, built in 1902 and located at 191 Christopher Street, into a modern yet traditional living space for a young family. The property spans 3,174 square feet and originally featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The clients, Amy and Tristan Morel L’Horset, are a family with three young boys and a history of international travel. Amy works as a registered dietitian and nutrition professor, while Tristan is a senior managing director at a global service and consulting company. Their brief to Antoinette Allande was to update their traditional home with a fresh perspective, prioritizing beautiful aesthetics alongside practical, comfortable living. They required durable furnishings that were not overly delicate and could seamlessly integrate with their existing collection of French antiques. The home's original formal and ornate exterior and interior architecture necessitated a design approach that respected its historical integrity. Antoinette Allande's design philosophy for this project was coined "Eclectic Traditional with a touch of Whimsy." This approach allowed her to blend modern furnishings with the historical architectural details, incorporating elements of the clients' whimsical preferences. Key design choices included a large, comfortable family room sectional, intended for family time and movie nights. The dining area features vintage pieces—a table, chairs, and a chandelier—acquired by the clients while living in France. These ornate, classical French furnishings were complemented by rich jewel-toned textiles, contrasting with lighter architectural finishes. A contemporary hand-knotted rug from Rejuvenation and antique French chairs re-upholstered in sapphire blue velvet further enhance the eclectic mix. The home's walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Moonshine 0C-56, while trim and other white areas utilize Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65. The entry hall is designed to make a strong first impression, incorporating vibrant colors and patterns to reflect the clients' personality and create a welcoming atmosphere. This space features a commissioned Moroccan carpet, a family tree display, a Mokum by Katherine Martin wallpaper from Holly Hunt New York, an antique British Colonial entry table, an Indian block-printed tablecloth by Roberta Roller Rabbit, a Kelly Wearstler light fixture from Circa Lighting, a CB2 cabinet, and an Arteriors Home table lamp, all contributing to a playful and youthful aesthetic. In the living and dining areas, original built-in cabinetry and millwork were preserved and enhanced by whitewashing dark beams, the fireplace, and paneling. This technique was employed to create a lighter, airier feel, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century designer Elsie de Wolf, known for transforming dark interiors with white and light colors. The project remained within budget and on schedule despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The property itself is a Dutch Colonial Revival style home, recognized for its ornate period details, symmetrical design, Ionic columns, white painted exterior, dormer windows with curved head sash detail, and black shutters, situated in Montclair's historic Marlboro Park area. Collaborators on the project included Franklin Nunez for painting, Orlando Silva of Golden Wallpaper for wallpaper installation, Ryan M. Brown Photography for documentation, and Brett Fixes for home improvements. Antoinette Allande Interiors operates from Hoboken, offering various design services including renovations, decorating, and art consulting, known for combining vintage and modern elements with contemporary art to achieve relaxed, layered, and eclectic interiors. #MontclairHomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AntoinetteAllandeInteriors #EclecticTraditional #LuxuryResidentialDesign #DutchColonialRevival #VintageModernMix #HistoricalPreservation

Brandi and Scott Fuller embarked on a renovation journey for their 1914 Georgian home in Park Hill, Denver, intending to complete a few specific updates. Initially, their plans were modest, focusing on expanding and remodeling the kitchen, which felt too small for their combined family of seven and the 8,000-square-foot house. They also planned to add ensuite bathrooms to two upstairs bedrooms, a walk-in master bedroom closet, and a basement home gym. Despite their experience in the architecture and real estate industries, the Fullers did not anticipate the extensive scope their renovation project would ultimately encompass. What began as a "few things" quickly escalated into a near-complete transformation of their historic residence. The catalyst for this expansion was the discovery of a sagging kitchen floor, a result of a previous shoddy renovation. The architect, Toby Branch of Branch Architecture Studio, explained that addressing this structural issue required significant interventions in the basement, leading to a full structural remodel of the kitchen floor and the basement ceiling below. This, in turn, caused new cracks to appear in the main level's plaster walls, necessitating further repairs. The snowball effect continued throughout the house. The upstairs updates followed a similar pattern; converting two children's bedroom closets into bathrooms required unexpected construction, which then prompted Brandi and Scott to overhaul their master bathroom. While these projects were underway, they also decided to remodel the third-floor bathroom and bedrooms, restore a bedroom suite above the garage, replace most of the home's lead pipes, and install a new HVAC system. Brandi likened the process to getting a new sofa and then realizing the drapes and paint needed updating, illustrating how one improvement led to the desire for others. Outdoors, the initial plans to repair the original red-brick walls, sand, and paint also grew significantly. The architect enclosed the walkway between the garage and the house to create a new mudroom and added a French door and metal staircase connecting the kitchen to the yard. This enhancement transformed the yard into an additional living space, usable for a significant portion of the year. The property's original brick hardscaping now frames new plantings designed by Lifescape Colorado and artificial turf, which the Fullers chose to retain and integrate into the design due to shade and maintenance considerations. Ultimately, the renovations covered 6,000 square feet. Beyond the structural changes, a key challenge was to seamlessly blend the home's preserved original architectural details—such as old windows, millwork, wood-plank floors, marble fireplace surrounds, and even original call boxes—with modern updates. The kitchen served as a prime example of this vintage-meets-modern aesthetic. Mikal Otten, owner and lead designer of Exquisite Kitchen Design, created a "traditional kitchen with soft contemporary touches." This was achieved by incorporating simplified traditional elements, like custom cabinets with a subtle cove profile and a soft white brushstroke finish, and ethereal blue glass backsplash tiles that offer a contemporary nod to classic brick styles. A stainless steel farmhouse sink replaced traditional porcelain, providing a cleaner, edgier look, while a walnut coffee-bar armoire and chevron-patterned white oak flooring reintroduced turn-of-the-century flair, recalling a historical practice of special floor treatments in specific rooms. The floor coverings played a crucial role in anchoring the decor of each room. Brandi explained that they started with the rug in each room and built the design from there. For instance, the dining room's modern floral rug influenced the choice of silk shantung wallcovering, a branch-like brass chandelier, and clear Lucite chairs. In the living room, a neutral rug set the tone for gray crushed-velvet sofas, a marble-topped coffee table, and a ring-shaped crystal chandelier. The foyer featured a custom stair runner with a cherry-blossom pattern, complementing a midcentury-style credenza and bold custom artwork. The furnishings selected by Brandi and Scott represent a diverse mixture of styles, primarily transitional but incorporating midcentury, contemporary, and bohemian pieces, which Brandi noted "came together in the end." Branch attributed the project's success not just to luck, but to the inherent integrity and forgiving nature of century-old homes, which allow for structural repairs and modern updates without losing their original character. The complete transformation ultimately highlighted the enduring strength and beauty of the home's historic foundation. #HomeRenovation #HistoricHome #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #StructuralRenovation #ParkHillDenver #VintageModern #ArchitecturalPreservation

This article details the transformative renovation of a 1991 Highland Park home, showcasing how a dated, traditional residence was modernized into a transitional showplace through strategic design and construction. The property, located at 4233 Edmondson, initially featured an abundance of traditional architectural elements, including numerous columns, thick crown molding, and brick floors, which were characteristic of early 1990s luxury home construction. Despite its age and traditional aesthetic, the home's prime location and robust structural 'bones'—such as high ceilings—were recognized as valuable assets for a potential renovation. Interior designer Mary Beth Wagner, who purchased the home, envisioned a complete overhaul to introduce a more contemporary, transitional style. She identified several challenges with the original layout, including an absence of a fourth bedroom, a convoluted access path to two upstairs bedrooms through the master suite, an unfinished attic, and an outdated master bathroom. To address these issues and execute her vision, Wagner collaborated with Hudson Construction Group, a Dallas-based firm specializing in luxury residential and multifamily projects. Hudson Construction Group, founded by Elliott Perry and Blake Evenson, is known for its focus on preserving and enhancing a property's long-term value through meticulous craftsmanship. The renovation involved a comprehensive transformation of both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the home. Craftsmen meticulously removed the extensive molding and columns, replacing them with lighter, more contemporary materials. New doors were installed throughout, and significant upgrades were made to the HVAC system, flooring, and windows. The original red brick floors were replaced with limestone, extending from the entry hall to the pool-facing family room, creating a seamless and airy feel. A key design objective was to foster a strong indoor-to-outdoor living connection, allowing residents to enjoy the Texas climate year-round through improved access and design elements. One of the most significant structural changes was the reconfiguration of the second floor. The original layout, which included an oversized master bedroom, two walk-through bedrooms, and an exterior rear porch, was redesigned to create a more functional and private living space. This re-imagining resulted in three full en-suite bedrooms, a well-proportioned master suite with a spa bath and a large closet, and a dedicated laundry room. The former rear porch was converted into a reading area and incorporated into an additional bedroom suite. Furthermore, the removal of an existing coffee bar paved the way for a staircase leading to the attic, which was then finished out to create an entire third floor. This newly added level includes a guest room, a spacious landing used as an exercise area, an office, and ample storage, significantly expanding the home's usable footprint. Exterior enhancements included improving a brick retaining wall on the corner lot, which introduced privacy and defined a peaceful outdoor living space separate from the pool area. This space was outfitted with a built-in grill, pavers, and new landscaping, creating an inviting environment for both children and adults. Inside, a first-floor bar and walk-through pantry were modernized into an updated and more utilitarian walk-in bar. The renovation successfully transformed the home from a traditional, dated property into a modern transitional dwelling, aligning with current buyer preferences for clean lines, open floor plans, and functional, elegant spaces. This project demonstrates that even older homes can be updated to meet contemporary design standards with the right vision and construction expertise, offering a viable alternative to new construction. #HomeRenovation #TransitionalDesign #LuxuryRealEstate #HighlandPark #HudsonConstructionGroup #MaryBethWagnerInteriors #HomeModernization #InteriorDesign #DallasRealEstate

When preparing a house for sale, optimizing interior spaces for broad appeal is crucial for attracting potential buyers. A notable example of this strategy is the conversion of a nursery into a guest room, a transformation successfully implemented by designer Emily Henderson in her former Los Angeles home, which subsequently sold above its asking price. The nursery, originally designed for her baby girl, was an airy and comfortable space featuring a distinct forest-themed wallpaper across two walls. One wall showcased a vintage wicker day bed, while the other held an all-white crib. To transition the room into a guest bedroom, Henderson retained the bold wallpaper as a prominent backdrop, integrating more neutral furniture and decor elements. The new guest bed was dressed with fresh, light linens and paired with an understated walnut headboard, flanked by two small white nightstands. Previously, "baby" specific items such as a changing table, a pink pouf, and a wall-mounted unicorn head were removed and replaced with practical additions suitable for a guest room. These new elements included an extra chair for seating, a desk lamp for illumination and function, and a storage side table, enhancing the room's utility and general appeal. This strategic design change demonstrates how minor adjustments to a room's purpose and decor can significantly enhance a home's marketability. By opting for versatile and neutral furnishings, Henderson created a space that could appeal to a wider range of prospective buyers, moving beyond the specific needs of a nursery to a more universally welcoming guest bedroom. This approach highlights the importance of staging a home to showcase its adaptability and potential to different lifestyles, ultimately facilitating a quicker and more profitable sale. The transformation maintained the room’s inherent charm, primarily through the preserved wallpaper, while updating its functionality to meet the demands of a broader audience. #InteriorDesign #HomeStaging #EmilyHenderson #RoomTransformation #GuestRoom #NurseryConversion #HomeDecor #RealEstate

Meredith Rothman, a manager at Anonymous Content, initially envisioned a Spanish Revival home but was drawn to a modern, boxy house in Beverly Hills due to its floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light, and canyon location, which evoked childhood memories. She sought the advice of interior designer Lauren Waters, who convinced her of the property's potential as a "wonderful blank canvas for intriguing furniture and great art." This affirmation led Rothman to purchase the 2,500-square-foot spec house and commission Waters to transform it into a personal retreat suitable for entertaining and showcasing her art collection, which includes works by Analia Saban, John Baldessari, and a charcoal drawing by her grandmother, Luddie Waters. Rothman emphasizes the importance of collecting art by artists she connects with. The primary bedroom, located on the top floor, is designed as a serene space, featuring a custom wall-to-wall upholstered headboard and large windows offering views of the lush hillside and a 200-year-old oak tree, creating a treehouse-like ambiance. Waters initially advocated for a neutral palette, a decision Rothman now credits for improved sleep quality, with a rust velvet bench from Lulu and Georgia providing the only prominent color accent. A second bedroom on this floor has been converted into a gym. On the main level, a previously clunky electric fireplace with crystals was replaced by an open bookcase. This new feature serves to divide the dining and living areas while also providing a display space for Rothman's dishes, books, and art objects, such as a sculpture by Lauren Tsai and ceramics by Cody Hoyt. The kitchen underwent updates including brass hardware from Rejuvenation and cabinets painted in Farrow & Ball’s Railings, a soft black with blue undertones, to inspire Rothman's culinary pursuits. The living room is furnished with a custom sofa, inspired by Adrian Pearsall's cloud design, upholstered in cream bouclé and adorned with ball pillows made from vintage silks. Complementary pieces include a vintage French standing lamp and a Charlotte Perriand stool. John Baldessari’s screenprint, _Two Sunsets (One With Square Blue Moon)_, hangs above a vintage woodworking table from Amsterdam Modern, which functions as a credenza. Sliding doors connect the living room to an outdoor area featuring a vintage André Dubreuil wrought iron Spine chair. Notably, Rothman opted against placing a television in the living room, desiring a more meditative space conducive to conversation, while a custom sectional in Erica Shamrock rust velvet in the home's ADU is dedicated to movie and series watching with her husband, Jamie Iovine, co-founder of NTWRK. Vintage Benny Linden teak chairs, reupholstered in Zack & Fox fabric, surround a concrete table from Restoration Hardware, creating an inviting workspace. Rothman, who once preferred Spanish Revival, now finds her modern home perfectly suited to her lifestyle. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HollywoodHomes #SpecHomeRenovation #ModernHome #ArtCollection #LuxuryLifestyle #BeverlyHills

Morgania Moore and Brook Bannister, an artistic couple, along with their son Monroe, have transformed Moore's inherited 1970s cottage in the rural Alexander Valley of Healdsburg into a dynamic canvas of handcrafted design. Both Moore and Bannister share deep family ties to the region, with Moore having spent childhood weeks at her grandmother's home and Bannister growing up fishing and swimming in the nearby Russian River. They met in their twenties and are now raising their 11-year-old son in the same home, fostering a strong connection to both the land and their creative living space. The home and an adjacent studio reflect the family's shared passion for craft. Bannister, a winemaker, musician, and woodworker, has personally constructed much of the home's furniture, including tables, shelves, and kitchen cabinets. Moore, whose artistic endeavors span lighting, floral design, jewelry, and textiles, infuses the rooms with large-scale natural elements sourced from the Alexander Valley, such as twisted branches, seed pods, and tumbleweeds. Their son, Monroe, attending a nature school, contributes to the creative atmosphere through music with his father and managing a significant Lego collection. The family maintains a balance between individual creative pursuits and communal activities. During the day, they immerse themselves in their respective projects throughout the house, converging in the kitchen as evening approaches to converse, read, and prepare meals together. They embrace the challenges of the creative process, viewing it as a means to produce interesting and unique works. Both Moore and Bannister draw inspiration from natural forms, such as the curve of a bone, the colors of river stones, or the shape of recycled metal. Bannister translates these into furniture or music, while Moore creates oversized papier-mâché pendant lights, braids textiles into cushions, and fashions large-scale installations from reclaimed fireplace screens. The home is adorned with entire tree limbs arching over seating areas and various finds from Moore’s past work on film sets, creating a space rich with artistic imagination. The couple is committed to preserving the home's original humble and bohemian character, resisting suggestions from interior designers to modernize it. They value the existing stains and marks as a testament to the house's long history. The surrounding environment also provides endless materials and inspiration; winter rains reveal clay and pebbles that Moore collects for jewelry, and the changing seasons offer unique visual elements, such as the sculptural bare branches of oaks. A significant project for Bannister involved salvaging a large black walnut tree trunk from the Russian River after a winter storm. He spent years milling and curing the wood, which now forms the distinctive live-edge cabinet fronts in their kitchen. This endeavor highlights their patient, faith-driven approach to craft. Their commitment to sustainable and local craft is deeply personal, driven by a desire to conserve natural resources for future generations, including their son. Bannister expresses strong feelings against deforestation and prioritizes salvaged and reclaimed materials for his furniture, finding them more beautiful and ethically sound than commercially sourced wood. Monroe has also engaged in carving spoons from the same walnut wood. The couple frequently finds themselves drawn to similar natural materials, symbolizing their artistic convergence. Their home is seen as a constantly evolving canvas, adapting to their creative journey and reflecting their philosophy of living in harmony with nature and artistic expression. Bannister Wines, owned by Brook Bannister, also features a tasting room in Geyserville that doubles as an art gallery, showcasing various artists and further extending the family's artistic influence into the community. #HealdsburgHome #HandcraftedDesign #AlexanderValley #ArtisticFamily #SustainableLiving #SonomaCountyArtists #NaturalMaterials #InteriorDesign #CustomFurniture

Heidi Caillier, an interior designer known for her expertise in color and texture, undertook the task of decorating a newly constructed home on Fox Island in the southern Puget Sound area for a young, entertainment-oriented Seattle family. The objective was to infuse the blank canvas of the new house with the clients' personality, creating a space that was both sophisticated and approachable, reflecting their frequent hosting of wine tastings and social gatherings. Caillier's design philosophy centers on functionality and understanding her clients' lifestyles. She engaged the couple in creating Pinterest boards to delve into their personal style, initially observing a preference for conventional elements like white subway tile and black-and-white flooring. However, Caillier discerned a deeper, more discerning taste, identifying a desire for a unique space that transcended specific aesthetics or eras. Her proposal introduced moody paint colors, all-over prints, and extensive upholstery, which, despite initial skepticism from the clients, ultimately aligned with their willingness to embrace an 'envelope-pushing' vision. The design process progressed smoothly, with most rooms adhering to the initial presentations. The media room, however, underwent a notable evolution. Originally conceived with a single fabric for the sofa, walls, and drapes, it transformed into a vibrant showpiece. The client's initial rejection of a fabric option due to its pattern led Caillier to discover a printed blue Scalamandré floral, which became the room's focal point. The design incorporated a Ligne Roset Togo sectional as the central element, complemented by subtle striped wallpaper and small-scale prints. Caillier emphasizes the importance of scale in balancing prints, pairing large-scale florals with modern elements like stripes or checks to create a harmonious feel. This deliberate interplay of patterns extends throughout the home. A powder room features a bold floral wallpaper balanced by geometric floor tiles. In the living room, vintage BDDW armchairs are upholstered in a ditsy floral, which, when combined with neutral checked throw pillows and a Moroccan-inspired rug, functions as a solid texture. The kitchen showcases custom cabinetry, a BDDW dining table, Moller dining chairs from Design Within Reach, and distinctive lighting fixtures, including an Apparatus chandelier and RW Guild pendant lights, along with a vintage rug. Given the family includes two small children, the home's design also prioritized functionality. Easy-to-clean leather bar stools were incorporated, and Caillier aimed to demonstrate that a beautifully curated home is achievable even with young children. She highlighted that bold prints can effectively camouflage stains, allowing clients to invest in quality furnishings without undue concern for wear and tear from children. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #Upholstery #PatternMixing #HeidiCaillier #FoxIslandHome #FunctionalDesign #LuxuryInteriors #TextileDesign

A retired couple moving to Crown Point from Washington sought to transform their new, cool-toned residence into a warm, eclectic, and family-friendly home, particularly to accommodate their children and growing number of grandchildren. They enlisted the full-service design firm Kristyn Harvey Interiors for this project, which commenced in July 2024 and concluded six months later. The design aimed to reflect the couple’s love for travel by incorporating global treasures while prioritizing warmth and practicality. The inspiration for the home’s redesign stemmed from its coastal location, being close to Mission Bay, and the clients' active lifestyle, including participation in outrigger canoe competitions. This led to a design aesthetic that incorporated warm, coastal tones infused with an eclectic humor, mirroring their well-traveled background. A prime example of this eclectic approach is a bronze bunny statue, an existing possession of the couple, which was deliberately placed in a bathroom to add a sense of mystery and playful storytelling, aligning with the designer’s philosophy of creating fun and laughter-inducing moments within a home. Kristyn Harvey Interiors focused on contrasting the existing cool elements of the house, such as the fireplace tile, flooring, and kitchen, with warm-toned materials to achieve a more vintage-inspired and less modern ambiance. In the living room, the large, cold fireplace was deemphasized through the addition of vertical paneling in the adjacent nooks. White oak floating shelves and a desk were installed, designed for both aesthetic brightness and functional eclecticism, reflecting the clients’ needs. A vintage coffee table from the 1970s, which had a minor repair, became a central piece, embodying the vintage-inspired goal. Consideration for the clients' new role as grandparents was a key aspect of the furniture selection. All living room furniture, including the sofa, swivel chairs, and ottomans by Rowe Furniture, were chosen for their performance fabric and rounded corners, ensuring safety and durability for grandchildren. The ottomans were designed with additional storage and reversible tray tops, enhancing their utility for family gatherings and board game nights. The dining room was conceived as an extension of the living room, featuring swivel head chairs that allow for interaction between both spaces. A dark-finished custom dining table by RBMZ Studio provided a striking contrast to the warm, coastal interior palette. The culmination of the design project aimed to create a home that not only showcased the couple's cherished memories but also provided a welcoming space for future family moments. A notable finishing touch was a 100-year-old Turkish olive tree trunk, cleaned and sealed with a marine-grade UV protectant, and hung above the entryway, symbolizing the home's longevity and its role as the clients' retirement and forever residence. The design elements and material choices, including paint by Benjamin Moore, artwork by Sophia Lind and Uttermost, and furniture from brands like Four Hands and Lulu and Georgia, contributed to the overall warm, eclectic, and family-centric transformation. #InteriorDesign #HomeTransformation #CoastalDecor #EclecticStyle #FamilyHome #KristynHarveyInteriors #CrownPoint #SanDiegoDesign #VintageFurniture

Home renovation and design expert Christina Haack, known for her shows 'Christina on the Coast' and 'The Flip Off,' has identified a significant kitchen layout mistake that she believes can negatively impact a home's resale value and overall aesthetic: having the front door open directly into the kitchen. Haack emphasizes that the kitchen is often considered the heart of the home and the most crucial room for potential buyers, making its design and placement paramount. Haack's primary concern with a front-door-to-kitchen layout is the immediate impression it creates upon entering a home. She argues that this arrangement can make the space feel less inviting and even chaotic, especially if the kitchen is not perfectly tidy. Beyond the visual impact, she also points out practical drawbacks, such as strong cooking odors immediately greeting guests as they enter, which can set an undesirable tone for the entire house. She advises that kitchens should ideally have their own distinct space, separate from the immediate entry point, to provide a more organized and welcoming environment. In an episode of 'The Flip Off,' Haack demonstrated her design philosophy by removing constricting walls in a home and relocating the kitchen. This strategic move allowed her to expand the kitchen's footprint, creating a more spacious area for food preparation and dining. Her design goal was to achieve a 'classic design with a pop,' aiming for a kitchen that felt earthy, elegant, and inviting simultaneously. The final design featured white oak cabinets, a high-end stove, a large island, and a porcelain backsplash, illustrating her vision for a well-designed and strategically placed kitchen. Haack's perspective aligns with that of other design experts. Three professionals interviewed by 'Homes and Gardens' also highlighted the critical role of kitchen layout and design in influencing a home's value and the cooking experience. Designer Tom Howley, for instance, suggested viewing open-plan spaces as a cohesive whole with multiple zones, dedicating specific areas for cooking, dining, lounging, and even compact office spaces. This zoning approach is crucial for creating flexible and functional spaces that cater to various lifestyle needs. Haack further reinforces her design philosophy by noting that her own updated kitchen, featuring black oak cabinets and white marble countertops, is not positioned directly by the front door. This personal choice underscores her belief in the importance of kitchen placement for both functionality and aesthetic appeal, aiming to balance family-friendly utility with high-end design elements. Her insights offer valuable advice for homeowners considering kitchen remodels or looking to enhance their home's resale potential. #ChristinaHaack #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #ResaleValue #HGTV #InteriorDesign #TheFlipOff #ChristinaOnTheCoast #HouseBeautiful

Mark and Mitzi Knust, a Houston couple, undertook a comprehensive renovation of their Galveston Bay vacation home to accommodate their expanding family, including grandchildren. Mark Knust's childhood memories of spending summers in his family's Galveston vacation home inspired a desire for his own children and grandchildren to share similar experiences. In 1985, the couple initially purchased a home in Pirates Cove with Mark’s brother, but later acquired a larger property in the same neighborhood to better suit their growing family. This home became a cherished place where their two sons, now 34 and 31, learned to fish and swim, and frequently hosted friends. The home faced significant damage in 2008 from Hurricane Ike’s storm surge, which destroyed the bottom level and led to looting. Despite this setback, the Knusts rebuilt and continued to host family and friends. By 2015, with the arrival of grandchildren, they recognized the need for an even larger space to comfortably host three generations and foster their shared love for water sports. After considering building a new home, they opted to purchase an existing property in Pirates Cove, confident that with the right professionals, they could transform it into their ideal family retreat. They enlisted Doug LeBoeuf of LeBoeuf Homes, their preferred builder, and interior designer Marie Flanigan of Marie Flanigan Interiors. The renovation, which began in January 2016 and concluded in November of the same year, aimed for a more contemporary aesthetic with light colors and comfortable, casual furnishings. Given Mark's height of 6 feet 5 inches and their sons' similar stature (one being a 275-pound power lifter), the furniture needed to be sturdy and generously sized. The design also had to be sophisticated enough for semi-retired grandparents while durable enough for a messy grandchild who enjoyed spaghetti. The initial design challenges included yellow interior walls and dated, traditional furnishings. Flanigan's approach prioritized maximizing changes within a reasonable budget. A key transformation involved repainting the yellow walls white, often incorporating a shiplap treatment, to create a clean, fresh, coastal, and airy atmosphere. The color palette shifted to contemporary grays and earthy neutrals, accented with soft blue-green tones inspired by the ocean. Durability was a paramount concern, with nearly all furniture being new and upholstered in tough, indoor-outdoor fabrics to ensure the home was extremely livable for active grandchildren. The renovation also included a complete overhaul of the master bathroom and significant updates to the kitchen and other bathrooms. Major surface changes included refinishing the wood flooring from an orange-pine to a natural look. The chunky limestone fireplace was replaced with a concrete finish, shiplap, and a reclaimed wood mantel, with ceramic balls inside the fireplace becoming a favorite feature for Mark. Four-inch tiles on kitchen and bathroom counters were replaced with sheets of super-sturdy Neolith sintered stone. In the master bathroom, an oversized garden tub was replaced with a slimmer soaking tub, and Saltillo tile was swapped for wood-look porcelain tile in a dark taupe finish. Natural wood cabinets were stained brown and topped with gray-veined Neolith stone, mimicking Carrara marble without the maintenance. The finished design created a clean and flawless environment, with comfortable furniture and rooms perfectly suited to the Knusts and their family. One guest room was specifically designed for grandchildren with twin beds and matching trunks, and a sectional sofa on the second-floor landing provided additional sleeping space. The couple’s collaboration with Flanigan, despite initial hesitations from Mark on certain design elements like the ceramic fireplace balls and a large pendant light in the master bedroom, ultimately resulted in a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing home that met their intergenerational living needs. The home also incorporated sentimental elements, such as a collection of wildlife art and taxidermy fish mounts, which Flanigan’s team successfully integrated into the updated décor. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #GalvestonBayHome #FamilyLiving #CoastalDecor #BeforeAndAfter #MarieFlaniganInteriors #LeBoeufHomes #DesignTransformation

Interior designer Ariella Duker embarked on a personal journey to create her dream home in Amenia, New York, after years of designing spaces for clients while living in a series of Manhattan rentals. Her venture into homeownership began eight years ago when she was captivated by the scenic beauty of Wethersfield Garden in Amenia. This discovery prompted her to research local properties, leading to the purchase of a 10.5-acre rocky and overgrown parcel of land in 2013. Duker's initial plan was to build her house from the ground up, a process she admits was filled with unforeseen challenges. She faced obstacles such as blasting through solid rock and encountering black bears, which served as a crash course in country living. Drawing inspiration from the symmetry and formality of European country homes, Duker collaborated with Sloan Architects in Millbrook. The final design of her dream home features a pared-down, more modern profile, better suited for the upstate New York climate and its practical needs. The main residence spans over 3,400 square feet, including a kitchen, living room, dining room, study, guest room/home office, mudroom, and powder room on the first floor. The second floor houses a primary suite, two additional bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a laundry area. Complementing the main house, Duker also added a pool, a 425-square-foot pool house, and a detached garage. Initially, Duker acted as her own general contractor, managing permits and subcontractors. However, she eventually enlisted the help of R.A. Nilsen Construction in Millbrook to get the project back on track. Once construction was complete, Duker focused on furnishing her home with a blend of antique finds from local shops and the renowned Brimfield Flea Market in Massachusetts. Her design aesthetic, characterized by warm whites and greiges, provided a consistent and elegant backdrop for these curated pieces, and also proved advantageous given pandemic-related supply chain issues. The interior spaces reflect Duker's personal style and practical considerations. The living room, designed for intimacy, features swivel chairs to encourage interaction and French doors that expand the space onto a porch during warmer months. Ombre drapes in the living room visually connect to the horizon. Her foyer is bathed in natural light through a glass front door, with neutral walls and pale wood accentuating classic molding. The dining room houses a vintage Swedish extension table with Savonarola chairs, which Duker restored with durable indoor/outdoor fabric. The crisp kitchen, designed and built by DeVol Kitchens, features English-made cabinetry and hardware, highlighting Duker's preference for functional elegance. A notable and cozy spot in the house is a velvet chaise, a sentimental piece that has accompanied Duker throughout her career, now serving as a favored resting place for her friends' dogs and her foster pups. Duker regards her home as a personal design laboratory, a space where she could finally express her full creativity, unlike her previous rental experiences in New York City. The completed home not only embodies her design philosophy but also radiates a positive energy, built on the support and camaraderie of friends and collaborators. It serves as a perfect setting for her to reciprocate the hospitality she has received over the years. Duker's team for the project included R.A. Nilsen Construction, Sloan Architects, Louis Fusco Landscape Architects, and Northwest Lawn and Landscaping, as well as Domenick Lopane Landscaping. #InteriorDesign #HomeOwnership #HudsonValley #Amenia #CustomHome #ArchitecturalDesign #Antiques #RenovationJourney

Sasha and Shay Knaani purchased a 1956 Modernist brick split-level home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, appreciating its architectural style, convenient location, and verdant backyard. However, the original structure presented several challenges. The house was not adequately sized for their needs, its front-facing rooms lacked privacy due to proximity to a major road, and the main level felt disconnected from the backyard because of the placement of bathrooms and bedrooms. Colleen Healey Architecture was engaged to address these issues, focusing on enhancing natural light and privacy while improving the connection to the outdoors. Healey's primary intervention involved removing the existing roof and installing a new flat roof, creating a clerestory with bands of windows between the new roof and the original brick structure. This innovative design, which gave the home its new name, The Clerestory House, brought abundant natural light into the great room while maintaining complete privacy, a critical requirement given the road frontage. Beyond the clerestory, Healey undertook a comprehensive reorganization of the interior spaces. The main entrance was relocated from the side to the front, where new dark brick walls now define and orient the split-level stairs. To create a seamless visual connection to the garden, one bedroom was eliminated, and the primary bedroom suite was reconfigured. This allowed visitors entering the home to see directly through to the garden, without any direct view into the private areas of the house. The kitchen was also strategically relocated to one side, which facilitated the creation of a cozy side court, further enhancing access to the garden. The renovation significantly expanded the home's footprint. In addition to the clerestory, Healey added a garage and a single-story kitchen extension, along with two new bedrooms. These additions brought the total area to an ample 4,000 square feet, now accommodating five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms. While local artist Kate Zaremba contributed a dramatic wallcovering for a glamorous powder room, the overall material palette remained intentionally restrained. Healey emphasized the dominant role of sunlight and the original brick in the design, stating her affection for how these "pieces of the outdoors made their way inside," highlighting the project's success in integrating natural elements and light. #ModernistHome #ClerestoryDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #ColleenHealeyArchitecture #MarylandHomes #HomeRenovation #NaturalLightDesign #SplitLevelRemodel

Colleen Healey, founder of her architecture firm in Washington, D.C., undertook the challenge of modernizing an unrenovated 1883 house while preserving its period charm. The project aimed to update bathrooms and kitchens, connect the house to the garden, introduce light in innovative ways, and honor the past by integrating modern elements. The renovation of the 140-year-old structure involved a deliberate give-and-take between old and new. Healey blended historic and contemporary styles by using shared textures and rhythms, creating surfaces that reflected light similarly in both original and new sections. Original raw materials, such as brick and floor joists, were exposed in modernized areas to provide warmth, bridging the gap between the cellular Victorian rooms and the open new spaces. In the living room, instead of concealing the existing wall curves, Healey embraced them, extending these curved surfaces into the rear kitchen area. This design choice allowed soft light to bounce into the space and was replicated upstairs with skylights to draw light from above. The living room features original pine flooring in the front, while the rear uses diagonally laid pine to accommodate irregular wall angles, celebrating the new design while respecting the original material. The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore's Super White over original plaster, contrasting with dark wood shutters and skirting. The fireplace, crafted from layered Carrara marble, incorporates crisp modern edges while aligning with the ornate Victorian details of the room. The dining room, which is open-plan and connected to the living room by a dark wood trim, maintains cohesion through continuous flooring and white walls. The ornate wood fireplace in the dining room provides a counterpoint to the modern stone fireplace in the living area, balancing period elements with contemporary furnishings like dining chairs. For the kitchen, a highly functional modern space, contrast was chosen over an attempt to blend perfectly with the period surroundings. White kitchen cabinets mirror the white walls seen elsewhere. The kitchen's material palette was kept simple to avoid overwhelming the space, given the existing red brick, wood flooring, and exposed ceiling joists. Muted, honed grey and white countertops reduce reflection, and dark cabinets with a rhythmic slat pattern complement the dark metal shelves, door, and black plumbing fixtures. The kitchen island, featuring stained ash doors, was designed to resemble a decorative furniture piece rather than a typical island, with a U-shaped configuration to define zones within the open-plan area. Architectural additions include skylights on the second floor that funnel natural light into the kitchen below, illuminating exposed original brick and wood joists. An arched passageway connects the front and back of the house, extending an existing archway to create a dramatic threshold into the kitchen. This sculpted surface prepares occupants for a more private area and conceals the powder room and cabinetry, reflecting the historical shape in a modern way. The arched aesthetic is also repeated in the sculpted ceiling of the skylights. In the den, despite minimalist design approaches, the space remains warm and inviting due to the original brick wall and pine flooring, which balance the stark white walls and ceilings. Walnut furniture pieces with delicate rope details contribute to a light and airy feel. The bedroom incorporates period features, with a low headboard wall concealing an old fireplace to create a better bed layout and maintain views, while also providing storage. This wall is topped with Carrara marble, echoing the primary bathroom's materials. The modern bathroom blends glass and tile surfaces with an ornate original mantle, a clawfoot tub, and soft wooden shutters. The staircase, largely untouched, was brightened with new lighting and a skylight to emphasize its historic sculptural quality. The second-floor skylights reveal the home's structure and connect upper private levels with public first-floor spaces. #HomeRenovation #PeriodProperty #ModernDesign #InteriorArchitecture #HistoricHome #ColleenHealey #WashingtonDC #DesignRenovation #LuxuryInteriors

A family seeking a unique summer retreat in Southampton commissioned a home that deviates from the typical Hamptons shingle-style aesthetic. They collaborated with local architect James Merrell to design a modern structure on a four-acre plot, which successfully balances 21st-century design with traditional Hamptons village vernacular. The resulting H-shaped house, oriented east to west, maximizes natural light throughout the day, with careful placement of windows and plantings by AD100 landscape architect Edmund Hollander ensuring views of the outdoors from every room. To infuse the Zen-inspired interiors with personality and vibrancy, AD100 designer Kelly Behun was enlisted. The homeowners expressed a desire for both playful and sophisticated elements. Behun curated a space filled with distinctive furniture and art, leveraging her network of artisans. Notable pieces include a Shape Up chandelier by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio, colorful rugs designed by Kinder Modern and Behun for the Rug Company, and a collection of Memphis Group ceramics alongside contemporary vessels by Erica Prince and Manal Kara. Behun approached furniture as sculptural elements, prioritizing both comfort and functionality. The outdoor spaces were also integrated into the design, with Behun collaborating with Hollander to strategically place and light outdoor art installations. These include a stainless-steel zipper sculpture by Mark Richard Hall and an eight-foot-tall painted-fiberglass sculpture by Chiaozza. For the children, a supersized chessboard and Thomas Heatherwick's Spun chairs were added to the yard, creating whimsical and engaging elements. Despite the playful additions, Behun maintained a refined aesthetic by anchoring the interiors in neutral tones, luxurious materials, and stained white oak. The living room features a modular Francesco Binfaré sofa, complemented by brass and stone furnishings. The master bedroom, designed with a 1970s chalet-by-the-sea ambiance, incorporates fuzzy wool carpet, a vintage ribbon-like chair, and a channel-tufted headboard. Reading nooks and a library were also key considerations, reflecting the homeowner's profession as a novelist. The home's central, double-height library serves as a family gathering space, complete with Vladimir Kagan sofas. A shared "bunkroom" for the children includes capsule-like beds and cozy wall nooks for reading. A less conventional request, a bowling alley in the basement, was designed by Behun with inspiration from French artist Jean Dubuffet, featuring a graphic black-and-white pattern on Élitis wallpaper, creating a perception-bending effect. The finished home successfully provides a fun-filled, non-electronic environment for the family and their children's friends. #HamptonsDesign #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #KellyBehun #LuxuryHomes #LandscapeDesign #ArtisticInteriors #CustomFurniture #FamilyHome